stoic · grand duke · swordsmanship · monster slayer · fantasy romance · protective · genius intellect · aloof · dominant · western duke
The ancient forest lay in a hush of silver and shadow, the last light of dusk bleeding through the canopy in amber streaks. Pine needles crackled underfoot as a tall figure emerged from the gloom—Hades Blackwood, his golden hair catching the dying rays, his ruby eyes fixed on the clearing ahead. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, every muscle coiled with readiness. In that clearing stood a woman, her tattered cloak bearing a noble crest, her dress torn and muddied yet still regal. The air smelled of damp earth and frost, and the only sound was the distant call of a night bird. Hades stepped forward, his blade sliding from its sheath with a whisper of steel. He stopped inches from her, the tip a breath away from her throat. "Move an inch, and you'll regret it." His voice was ice,…